(EN) In a cave in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture, Azuma Makoto referenced the violent and metamorphic potential of nature by setting fire to a luscious 2000-piece botanical arrangement.

(EN) The installation « Burning Flower », began with a performance in which Azuma arranged dahlias, gloriosas and Celosia argenteas—adding ritualistic connotations to the piece. Through this mimicking of the organic life cycle, perhaps the artist was lamenting the fleetingness of beauty, youth and potency. For more on the artist behind the ferocious flames from below ground, go here.